Diamond Dealer has been making waves in the South African house music scene, whether on
decks or in the studio, and we've had our eye on him for a while now. For his debut on MoBlack
Records, the DJ from Bloemfontein pays tribute to the fateful Johannesburg suburb, with
remixes by Durban pride Enoo Napa and Mpumalanga's crowd pleasing wonder, Caiiro. Marking
66 years since the demise of Sophiatown, and 15th year since the restoration of its name, the
Kimberley born producer builds upon the lyrics of Strike David Vilakazi's outwardly upbeat,
anti-Apartheid protest anthem that helped define the beat of a burgeoning defiance. Sang by
none other than the late legend, Dorothy Masuka, excerpted from her cover of 'Meadowlands,
originally sung by Nancy Jacobs and Her Sisters from the midst of displacement and steadfast
resistance against it, the lyrics at the heart of this Sophiatown Tribute harness pain from a
struggle against reality to concoct the remedy for healing through sound.
Sophiatown Tribute is a vibrant melange of unique elements, rife with rich African sounds, tribal
groove, and forward-thinking digital nuances. Coddling Dorothy Masuka's verses in moist sonic
undulations, the original mix exudes a certain dampness, soaking emotions in harmonic
buoyance. Enoo Napa's complex artistic finesse casts an elegant dub remix of the Tribute. Dark
afro tech, looming ambience and synth-based melodics drive this sublime tour de force that has
us itching for a gleam off a strobe light on a pitch black dancefloor at wee hours of the night.
Masuka's vocals, though curtailed, remain prominent and affective, emitting ample sentiment to
ravel time and get lost in its rhythm. Caiiro yields his unique, textured dub re-work, juxtaposing
cross-grained percussion with electronic tweaks on an acidic incline. Searing hi-hats flow with
inquisitive acoustics that waft Dorothy Masuka's protracted vocals in fleeting melodies and a
simple rhythm that seems to make everything feel right. Wrapping up the EP, an Instrumental
Mix makes sacred space out of the absence of vocals. Dorothy Masuka might no longer be
speaking, but we feel her. A radio edit completes the series.
Stream the track below.
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